Reconfigurable antennas and configuration selection methods for MIMO ad hoc networks

John Kountouriotis,Kapil R Dandekar,Daniele Piazza,Prathaban Mookiah,Michele D'Amico

doi:10.1186/1687-1499-2011-147

Abstract

In this paper, we quantify the performance enhancements that can be provided by reconfigurable antennas in an ad hoc network where all nodes employ multiple input multiple output communication techniques. We present two types of reconfigurable antennas: a reconfigurable printed dipole array (RPDA), and a reconfigurable circular patch antenna (RCPA). The RPDA and RCPA have a different number of configurations as well as different degrees of pattern diversity between possible configurations. To effectively use these antennas in a network, we introduce and quantify the performance of centralized and decentralized antenna configuration selection schemes for reconfiguration at one or both link ends. We use the sum capacity of the network as a metric to quantify the performance of these antennas in measured and simulated network channels.

Highlights

Research in the area of ad hoc networks has yielded important advances, notably in the field of physical layer techniques
A lot of effort has been spent in (i) applying smart antennas and antenna diversity techniques to ad hoc networks (e.g., [1,2,3]), (ii) developing medium access control protocols suitable for multiple input multiple output (MIMO) ad hoc networks (e. g., [4,5,6]), and (iii) adaptive algorithms for antenna beamforming in ad hoc networks (e.g., [7,8,9])
In order to overcome practical space limitations and merge the benefits of MIMO spatial multiplexing (SM)/diversity techniques with those of directional antennas, we propose to adopt electrically reconfigurable antennas as a key element of MIMO transceivers in ad hoc networks

Summary

Introduction

Research in the area of ad hoc networks has yielded important advances, notably in the field of physical layer techniques. In order to further increase the network spectral efficiency, MIMO spatial multiplexing (SM) techniques and diversity techniques have been adopted [4,5,15]. Directional arrays and MIMO SM/diversity techniques cannot be integrated on compact portable devices, where the limited space available renders mounting multiple directional antennas difficult. In order to overcome practical space limitations and merge the benefits of MIMO SM/diversity techniques with those of directional antennas, we propose to adopt electrically reconfigurable antennas as a key element of MIMO transceivers in ad hoc networks.

Objectives

Results

Conclusion